Free school space for nonprofit groups

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

************************* Orazietti announces province to open Sault Ste. Marie schools for community groups

McGuinty government supporting recreational activities

SAULT STE. MARIE - Starting this month, Etienne Brule Public School and Holy Angels Learning Centre will give not-for-profit groups free access to their schools after hours, David Orazietti, MPP announced today.

“This investment will help keep the doors to our schools open for youth, adults and seniors in our community,” said Orazietti. “Making our schools easier and more affordable for groups to access encourages the development of important programs that foster civic engagement and a sense of community pride.”

Offering school space at no cost will help not-for-profit groups provide affordable or free activities, such as sport, art and recreation programs for youth. These programs help bring communities together and keep young people active and safe.

“Opening up school doors after hours to not-for-profit groups gives more kids the chance to develop new skills and get involved in local activities,” said Kathleen Wynne, minister of education.

This is part of Community Use of Schools, a program that helps all Ontario school boards make school space more affordable for use after hours.

Increasing access to schools for community activities and services supports the goals of Breaking the Cycle: Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, and was a recommendation of The Roots of Youth Violence report.

“Across the province, schools are at the heart of our communities, both during the school day and after hours. This initiative will help strengthen and support these important community hubs and will bring in a diversity of activities and groups,” said Deb Matthews, minister of children and youth services.

Quick facts

For the 2009-10 school year, the Ontario government will invest $38.5 million in community use of schools, including $5.1 million to help 150 schools offer school space for free.

Funding for this program has almost doubled in the past three years.

Breaking the Cycle: Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, aims to reduce the number of children living in poverty by 25 per cent over five years by boosting benefits for low-income families and enhancing publicly-funded education.

The 150 schools across the province are located in areas where the need for low-cost access is greatest.

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